Period:Sui dynasty Production date:500-700
Materials:stone (black stone)
Technique:carved
Subjects:buddha bodhisattva arhat
Dimensions:Width: 1.41 metres
Description:
Black stone door lintel in a lunette shape, carved with a Buddhist paradise scene. The central figure, probably Amitābha, is seated under a large canopy and flanked by Bodhisattvas and arhats (luohan). At his feet are two newborn souls represented by two boys emerging from lotus flowers. On the lower register underlined by a pearl border are dancers and musicians, who play vertical and transverse flutes, a lute, a harp, ‘sheng’ pipes and cymbals. The underside of the lintel which faces down into the doorway, is decorated with lotus scrolls.
IMG
![图片[1]-lintel; door BM-1937-0716.153-China Archive](https://chinaarchive.net/Sui dynasty/43/mid_00036738_001.jpg)
![图片[2]-lintel; door BM-1937-0716.153-China Archive](https://chinaarchive.net/Sui dynasty/43/mid_00508410_001.jpg)
![图片[3]-lintel; door BM-1937-0716.153-China Archive](https://chinaarchive.net/Sui dynasty/43/mid_00767679_001.jpg)
Comments:Lintels of this shape were placed at the entrances of vaulted corridors leading to pagodas or tomb chambers during the Sui (AD 581–618) and Tang (AD 618–907) dynasties. The scene on this lintel probably shows Amitabha (the Buddha of infinite light) in the Western Paradise. At his feet are two newly born souls resting on lotus flowers under a large canopy.
Materials:stone (black stone)
Technique:carved
Subjects:buddha bodhisattva arhat
Dimensions:Width: 1.41 metres
Description:
Black stone door lintel in a lunette shape, carved with a Buddhist paradise scene. The central figure, probably Amitābha, is seated under a large canopy and flanked by Bodhisattvas and arhats (luohan). At his feet are two newborn souls represented by two boys emerging from lotus flowers. On the lower register underlined by a pearl border are dancers and musicians, who play vertical and transverse flutes, a lute, a harp, ‘sheng’ pipes and cymbals. The underside of the lintel which faces down into the doorway, is decorated with lotus scrolls.
IMG
Comments:Lintels of this shape were placed at the entrances of vaulted corridors leading to pagodas or tomb chambers during the Sui (AD 581–618) and Tang (AD 618–907) dynasties. The scene on this lintel probably shows Amitabha (the Buddha of infinite light) in the Western Paradise. At his feet are two newly born souls resting on lotus flowers under a large canopy.
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